Running shoes are notoriously expensive, and this is down to the large amount of technology and design that goes into each pair. But running should be accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. So, this article will showcase five of the best cheap running shoes out there. This way you can run in comfort, perhaps while saving up for a more expensive pair in the future.
How to Find a Pair of Good Cheap Running Shoes
The first thing you want to do is try to stick to some of the better known brands. We know that this is the opposite of what many bargain hunters would say, but actually bigger brands have a reputation to uphold, which means that their poorest quality running shoes still need to be well made.
Looking for slightly older models is a good idea, they will be cheaper than their upgraded models, but will still perform very well. However, older running shoes are not always cheaper, as some increase in value as they become rarer.
When you find a well-priced pair of running shoes, you want to ensure that they are comfortable, high-performing, that they fit well, and that they have good traction. Breathability is also important. You also want to ensure that they are good value for money. A cheap pair of running shoes that falls apart after two weeks is not good value for money!
That’s why this review has the following criteria:
- Comfort – how well do the shoes fit? How much cushioning do they provide? How do your feet feel after running in them for 30 minutes? A comfortable pair of running shoes is crucial if you want to enjoy your time wearing them.
- Durability – How long will your running shoes last? You ideally want a pair that can survive 300-500 miles of running (the average). Keeping in mind that these shoes are specifically chosen to be cheaper than average, you want your shoes to be surviving about 300 miles.
- Breathability – Not always important, but breathable running shoes can be a life saver in hot or humid conditions. Particularly if you are running long distances.
- Traction – As with breathability, there are some runners who don’t need to worry too much about traction. But if you run long distances outdoors (particularly cross-country) you will want running shoes with decent grip.
- Value for Money – Just because a running shoe is cheap it does not mean that it is good value for money. You want a running shoe that outperforms its price tag.
Now that we have all five criteria for our cheap running shoes, we will review five of the best cheap running shoes. Each criterion will be marked out of five, with the total score out of twenty five.
Remember, just because we scored a shoe highest, it does not mean that this shoe is perfect for you. If you are not fussed about traction (for example) then a shoe that scores 5/5 in that criterion may not be as important to you as a shoe that scored 3/5 but had a higher score for comfort.
That’s why we will also be taking an in-depth look at all five running shoes to help you choose the perfect cheap running shoe for you.
Five of the Best Cheap Running Shoes
| Best Cheap Running Shoes | Comfort | Durability | Breathability | Traction | Value | Total | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mosha Belle Mesh Blade | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 21/25 | Check Price |
| Adidas Cloudfoam QT | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 22/25 | Check Price |
| Adidas CF Lite Racer | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 19/25 | Check Price |
| SKDOIUL Running Shoes | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 19/25 | Check Price |
| Saucony Cohesion 13 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 23/25 | Check Price |
As you can see, all five running shoes score between 19 and 23 out of 25, so they are all high performing. The Saucony Cohesion 13s are our highest rated running shoes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the perfect pair for your unique requirements.
That’s why we are now going to give a more in-depth review of all five running shoes so that you can make a decision for yourself as to which shoe suits you.
Cheap Running Shoes #1: Mosha Belle Mesh Blade Running Shoe
Spend enough time on Amazon and you can get very good at picking out items that have been ordered from Alibaba and repackaged. The blade running shoe is sold by Mosha Belle but is also available from several other mostly unheard of companies.
Don’t get us wrong, the running shoe is on this list for many good reasons: They are inexpensive, high-performing, comfortable and durable. The fact that they are made in China and sold by multiple companies is actually beneficial to you as a customer.
That’s because the different companies that sell this design are in a race to the bottom to try and undercut each other’s business. That means savings for you! If Mosha Belle had zero competitors, then this shoe would probably sell for $20 more than the advertised price.
But let’s talk about the shoe itself. The design is beautiful and nice and simple. There are a huge range of colours available, and the lower half of the shoe is quite unique in its aesthetics. The shoes are highly breathable thanks to a well designed mesh upper.
Traction is a little poor, and while we’ve scored the shoes 4 out of 5 for durability, that is based on our expectations for a budget running shoe. You could probably expect to run 250 miles on these shoes, perhaps pushing it to 300 miles depending on the surface you run on.
Overall, these shoes are excellent value and ideal for new runners who are on a budget. If you are just getting into running (or gym workouts) and you’re not up for spending a small fortune on big name brands, then the Blade running shoe is a great choice.
Cheap Running Shoes #2: Adidas Cloudfoam QT Racer
We have two Adidas running shoes on this list, which may come as a surprise to those of you who associate big name brands with overpriced running shoes.
The Adidas Cloudfoam QT Racer used to be quite an expensive running shoe (though no more than most big names) but as new shoes have come out the Cloudfoam QT Racer has seen significant price drops and is now a worthy member of the cheap running shoe club!
The shoes are first and foremost excellent for running, the Cloudfoam cushioning will help you run for miles and miles without aches or pain. The design of the shoes is excellent, with a beautiful aesthetic. The shoes are highly durable and should easily last you 300 miles.
Breathability is good, with the mesh upper highly effective. Traction is very good, as you would expect from an Adidas running shoe, and the overall value for money is superb.
The price can vary a bit depending on the availability of each size, which is why we scored it 4 out of 5, but most sizes are an absolute steal and would get a 5 out of 5 from us. The Adidas Cloudfoam QT Racer is the second highest scoring running shoe on this list and is a great purchase for anyone in need of good cheap running shoes.
Cheap Running Shoes #3: Adidas CF Lite Racer Byd
The other second Adidas running shoe on this list is the CF Lite Racer Byd. It is by far the most comfortable running shoe on this list and is perfect for new runners and those that value a comfortable ride over performance.
The shoes look great and have a unique aesthetic. They may not be the most durable (probably closer to 250 mile than 300 mile lifespan) but they are still good value for money. Traction could also be improved slightly. But at the end of the day this is a cheap running shoe made by a big name running shoe company. It looks good, feels amazing to wear, and is a great introduction running shoe for those that are starting out and don’t have $200 to drop on a pair of shoes.
The shoes are highly breathable and are perfect for running in hot, humid weather. They also look amazing and could function as an about town shoe, particularly for those of you who are on your feet a lot at work.
Cheap Running Shoes #4: SKDOIUL Sport Running Shoes
Like the Mosha Bella Mesh Blade (shoe #1), the SKDOIUL Sport Running Shoe is sold in various guises by a number of Drop-shipping companies. But also, like the Mosha Bella shoe, the SKDOIUL running shoe is well worth your consideration. It is an absolute bargain, is well made, and looks very good. An excellent alternative to big name running shoes for those on a budget.
The shoes look amazing, and are incredibly breathable, performance-wise they are decent if unspectacular. They are fairly durable and absolutely excellent value for money. Their sole is quite unique, and they are surprisingly good over longer distances. But if you are an experienced runner you may want to invest a little more into your running shoes if you want good performances.
Overall, these are a great budget-friendly running shoe that looks very good, performs well, and is a perfect fit for someone who does a little running and wants a decent gym shoe at a low price.
Cheap Running Shoes #5: Saucony Cohesion 13 Running Shoe
It is quite rare to find a Saucony running shoe on a budget-friendly list of running shoes. They are usually quite expensive yet still excellent value for money. However, the Saucony Cohesion 13 running shoe appears to be excellently priced and a great running shoe for the budget conscious.
Incredibly comfortable, highly durable, with good breathability and traction, this is the highest scoring running shoe on this list and certainly worth considering. The value for money is astounding, these are running shoes that should last you between 300 and 400 miles of running, and each mile will be delivered in high comfort. An excellent budget-friendly running shoe that outperforms the rest.
